Team 18

Team 18 is a proudly independent Supercars Championship team built on the passion and determination of one man: owner Charlie Schwerkolt. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Team 18 has grown from a single-car start-up into a competitive two-car operation that regularly challenges for podium finishes. Schwerkolt’s hands-on involvement and genuine love for motorsport permeate every aspect of the organisation, and that kind of owner-driven culture is something you can feel the moment you walk into the garage.

Team History

Schwerkolt’s involvement in Supercars dates back to his time as a co-owner at other teams before establishing his own operation. Team 18 entered the championship as a single-car team and quickly set about building the infrastructure needed to be competitive. Here’s the move that signalled serious ambition: the signing of Mark Winterbottom, the 2015 Supercars champion. That wasn’t just a driver signing — it was a statement of intent that told the paddock Team 18 was here to compete, not fill a grid spot. Winterbottom’s experience, professionalism, and speed gave the team instant credibility.

The expansion to a two-car operation demonstrated growing confidence and capability. The team invested in engineering, improved facilities, and built relationships with key technical partners that allowed it to extract more performance. Schwerkolt’s business acumen and his ability to attract commercial support have been crucial, providing the financial foundation needed to compete in an increasingly professional championship.

Recent Form and Gen3 Era

The Gen3 era has seen Team 18 continue its steady progression up the grid. Winterbottom and David Reynolds form the driver pair, bringing a combined total of decades of experience and hundreds of race starts. Think about that for a moment — a 2015 champion and a 2017 Bathurst winner in the same garage. The quality of driving talent available to Team 18 is undeniable, and the Chevrolet Camaros have been increasingly competitive. The partnership between two veteran racers creates a strong technical foundation that the engineering group has been able to build upon effectively.

Honours

Team Profile

Team 18 competes in the Supercars Championship with Mark Winterbottom and David Reynolds driving Chevrolet Camaros. Charlie Schwerkolt’s team has grown into a competitive two-car operation, combining the experience of two of the championship’s most accomplished drivers with a determined and well-resourced support team. The growth of this team from start-up to genuine competitor is a testament to what passion and smart management can achieve.

NC — Staff sports writer, australiafootball.com